Worked example: a 14-hour California shift at $22/hour
The first 8 hours pay straight time ($176), the next 4 pay time-and-a-half ($132), and hours 13–14 pay double time ($88). Day total: $396 versus $308 at straight time — a 29% premium. Employers scheduling regular 12+ hour days in California should budget this; workers should check paystubs for it.
- • $20/hr → $40 double-time; 4 hrs = $160
- • $25/hr → $50 double-time; 4 hrs = $200
- • Union contracts often add 2× for Sundays or emergencies regardless of state law.
FAQ
What is double time for $20 an hour?
$40 per hour — simply the regular rate multiplied by two.
When is double time required?
Federally, never. California requires it after 12 hours in a workday and for hours beyond 8 on the seventh consecutive workday. Union contracts and employer holiday policies create most other double-time pay.
Is double time taxed more?
No. It is ordinary income at your normal marginal rates; only withholding on a bigger check changes.
Can an employer pay double time instead of hiring?
Yes, and many do — paying an existing crew 2× can still beat recruiting, onboarding, and benefits for a new head. It is common in seasonal peaks and emergency coverage.
How this calculator is built
Independently maintained
Written by Sam Doshi and the RevenueLab editorial team. We don't sell the data feeds this tool is built on.
Sourced from primary data
Benchmarks come from public AdSense / Stripe / IRS disclosures and reader-submitted data — never third-party "$X per view" claims. Full methodology.
Last editorial review
Reviewed on a rolling quarterly cycle. Dated reviews are published on the methodology record for each calculator.
Editorial standards
See our editorial policy and disclaimer. Results are estimates, not advice.